Emma Raducanu’s progress to the semifinals of the 2026 Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca has sparked significant backlash from fans after comments made by former tennis star Boris Becker. Raducanu’s impressive run at the WTA 250 event follows her early exit at the 2026 Australian Open, positioning her as one of the tournament’s leading competitors. Fans are now calling for more respect and recognition of Raducanu’s achievements, especially in light of recent dismissive remarks.
Raducanu has delivered strong performances, beating Greet Minnen, Kaja Juvan, and Maja Chwalinska in straight sets to secure her spot in the semifinals. This marks the fifth semifinal appearance of her professional career. She will face Oleksandra Oliynykova on Friday, February 6, with the winner advancing to the final. Raducanu’s journey remains notable as she continues seeking her first title since her breakthrough Major victory at the 2021 US Open, despite facing setbacks such as multiple injuries since then. Over the past year, she has re-established herself firmly inside the top 30 in the world rankings.
When Becker reacted to Raducanu’s achievement on social media, his brief comment caused a stir. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Becker simply questioned,
“That’s it?” Boris Becker
The curt message was considered by many as dismissive, overlooking Raducanu’s efforts to rebuild her career post-injury.
Several fans responded emotionally on platforms like Reddit and X, criticizing Becker’s attitude. One user wrote,
“Ya thats it, slam history and a semi today… sorry she isn’t a criminal like you, liar, tax cheat, and ex convict, ya so Emma, ya for now ‘thats it’ …you should be careful with your words show some damn respect,”
while another added,
“Many people could only hope of such a career and she’s still only 23,”
highlighting Raducanu’s youth and accomplishments.
Additional comments reflected disappointment at a former player fueling negativity toward a current athlete. One remarked,
“Imagine being an ex-professional athlete and being okay with spreading online hate. Professional tennis athletes deal with hate comments every day. Sad to see ex-players adding more hate as well. What’s the point of this post?”
Others labeled Becker’s post as “strange and totally unnecessary,” with fans condemning the apparent invitation to online bullying.
Despite the controversy, Raducanu remains focused on her upcoming matches. She is currently the highest-ranked player left in the Transylvania Open field and is widely considered the favorite to claim the title in Cluj-Napoca, having reached her second career final with just two victories needed to secure the trophy.
Upcoming Semifinal Showdown Between Raducanu and Oliynykova
Emma Raducanu is set to play Oleksandra Oliynykova in the semifinals of the Transylvania Open on Friday, February 6. This match will be a significant milestone for Oliynykova, who is appearing in her first WTA Tour semifinal, and she has attracted attention for both her on-court performance and her activism supporting Ukrainian causes. The winner of this contest will advance to face either Sorana Cirstea or Daria Snigur in the final scheduled for Saturday, February 7.
Meanwhile, Raducanu’s preparations extend beyond the current event. The draw for the Qatar Open, the first WTA 1000 tournament of the season, was also released, confirming her place there. She is slated to begin her campaign against a qualifier, with a potential second-round match against 11th seed Clara Tauson. If successful, a quarterfinal clash with rising star Coco Gauff could follow.
This upcoming stretch of competitive play provides Raducanu opportunities to further cement her return to form and demonstrate her resilience after years interrupted by injury and recovery.
That’s it? https://t.co/BlElNRLD8a
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) February 5, 2026
ya thats it, slam history and a semi today… sorry she isnt a criminal like you, liar, tax cheat, and ex convict, ya so Emma, ya for now "thats it" …you should be careful with your words show some damn respect
— Tiger Blue (@TigerPFC) February 6, 2026
https://twitter.com/sufferingpct/status/2019611701340164187
Imagine being an ex-professional athlete and being okay with spreading online hate. Professional tennis athletes deal with hate comments every day. Sad to see ex-players adding more hate as well. What’s the point of this post? https://t.co/qebmZOH0v8
— The Tennis Bubble (@thetennisbubble) February 6, 2026
What a strange and totally unnecessary tweet https://t.co/b7AW0LFmz4
— Henry Hill (@henry_hill94) February 6, 2026
you have nothing else to do? https://t.co/9WKfYZQAcP
— Magda (@doublefauIts) February 6, 2026
Opening her up for bullying… This is so unnecessary. https://t.co/fNJ8wd5CeK
— Biola Solace-Chukwu (@Beeorlicious) February 6, 2026
